Bulb planting frenzy puts town in frame

For the leafy coastal resort has been selected from more than 600 entrants to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2016.

Lytham in Bloom is one of 72 finalists from across the UK and is in the elite Champion of Champions category.

The group was selected for its outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement.

A proud Jim Leak, who has been chairman Lytham in Bloom Trust for 16 years, said: “With regard to Champion of Champions, we won the overall best in the UK in 2013, which has never been done in the North West before.”

The bulbs, which include the likes of crocuses and daffodils, were planted in October with the help of inmates from Kirkham open prison.

“When we won it in 2013, the judges said we were the cleanest, greenest, most beautiful place in the UK,” said Jim.

In July, Lytham in Bloom’s passionate volunteers will lead the RHS Britain in Bloom Judges on a tour of local projects and initiatives in the hope of being awarded gold at the annual award ceremony in October.

Other towns and cities in the category are Birmingham, Cleethorpes, Durham, St Pierre du Bois and Ahoghill.

Meanwhile, Freckleton, too, is a finalist this year, in the small town category. And Elswick has made it through to the village section.